Assess the Effectiveness of the Assembly Since Devolution Was Restored in 2007

Assess the effectiveness of the assembly since devolution was restored in 2007

The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Assembly was established as a result of the Good Friday agreement of 10 April 1998. The Agreement was endorsed through a referendum held on 22 May 1998 and subsequently given legal force through the Northern Ireland Act 1998. It led to the creation of a series of interrelated bodies, in particular the Northern Ireland Assembly, which has full legislative and executive authority for all matters that are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Government Departments- transferred matters (education or health). In particular however it was to be based on consociationalist principles which would ensure the assembly accommodated the diverse interests of divided and plural societies through power sharing. The Northern Ireland Assembly consists of 108 elected Members - six from each of the 18 Westminster constituencies. Its role is primarily to scrutinise and make decisions on the issues dealt with by Government Departments and to consider and make legislation for key areas. The Assembly also carries out a representative function as each elected member represents the electorates in each constituency.

One of the main functions of the Northern Ireland assembly is its legislative role. Through the Good Friday agreement it was granted autonomy to govern and legislate with regards to those transferred i.e. education, health etc. Any proposal for legislation is referred to as a “Bill” until it is passed by the Assembly and given Royal Assent. At this stage it becomes an Act of the Assembly. Ministers, Committees and individual Members can propose a Bill to the Assembly. After the speaker is notified the bill begins the 6 stage legislative process. Firstly all proposed bill have the title read out and a brief outline of purposes, following this there is a general debate by all members on the...